Erlanger board to review Hutcheson agreement

Erlanger board to review Hutcheson agreement

This is the campus of Hutcheson Medical Center in Fort Oglethorpe.
Staff File Photo by Angela Lewis/Chattanooga Times Free Press

This is the campus of Hutcheson Medical Center...

Erlanger Health System board Chairman Dan Quarles announced today that Erlanger's board of trustees will consider a proposed management agreement with Hutcheson Medical Center as soon as he receives an assurance that Dade, Catoosa and Walker counties will guarantee Erlanger's investment in the community hospital.

"I understand that a lot of good work has been put into this effort, and I believe, if approved, it represents a solid future for community-based healthcare in North Georgia, while also fitting into Erlanger's strategic plan for growth in the region," Quarles said in a news release issued today. "This only leaves the question of securing the estimated interim funding of up to $20 million over the next 18 months. It is my understanding that the representatives of the three counties are prepared to provide that security. Upon acknowledgement from the Commissioners of the security agreement, I look forward to bringing the proposed management agreement to the Board of Trustees for discussion."

Under the management agreement Erlanger would be responsible for Hutcheson's daily operations, and the two hospitals would be "co-branded as one," according to the release.